Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Wuhan: Substitute Mun Eun-ju headed home a stoppage-time equaliser as Korea Republic shared the points with hosts China in an action-packed 3-3 draw in their AFC U-16 Women’s Championship opener at Xinhua Road Stadium on Wednesday.
China took the lead on 16 minutes through Xie Qiwen before Zhang Linyan added a second for Gao Hong’s side before half-time.
The South Koreans, who had faded in the first half, came out strongly in the second and levelled the score through goals from Choi Jeong-min and Gwon Hui-seon either side of the hour-mark.
Wang Yanwen’s thumping effort on 71 minutes then put China back on top but Mun snatched a late leveller as China and Korea Republic ended the first round of group stage ties behind the day’s earlier winners and early Group A frontrunners Thailand.
“Before the first match the players were nervous so we had some difficulties in the first half but I am proud of how they responded in the second half,” said Korea Republic coach Ha Keum-jin, who will now prepare his team for Friday’s crucial tie with the Thais.
“At half-time, I told the players not to give-up and I tried to instil confidence in my team.
“I am very proud of the way my players responded.”
After an even opening quarter of an hour, the hosts took the lead in sublime fashion as China midfielder Xie broke into the penalty area and unleashed a sweetly-struck effort that flew past goalkeeper Kang Hye-rim into the opposite corner of the net.
Korea Republic looked to find an instant reply but Xu Huan’s goal was largely unthreatened despite the end-to-end action that ensued in an enthralling contest.
But with seven minutes of the first half remaining it was China who were on the scoresheet again as they doubled their lead when 14-year-old starlet Zhang poked home past Kang after Jin Kun’s incisive through ball.
The Koreans came out strongly after the half-time break, though, and they reduced the deficit with a beautifully worked team goal in the 56th minute as Lim Su-bin’s inviting right-wing cross was cleverly dummied by Lee Yee-un inside the area allowing the ball to reach Choi who fired emphatically past Xu from close range.
And 11 minutes later the scores were level at two goals apiece as Xu left her area to clear but could only direct the ball to Gwon 40 yards from goal, and the forward lofted the ball over the stranded keeper.
Against the run of play, though, China re-took the lead to go 3-2 up. Sheng Mengyu found Wang 20-yards out and the midfielder rocketed her shot past Kang with the custodian left with no chance.
But with six minutes of stoppage time added there was always a chance for a much-improved Korea Republic side to get back on level terms and deep into added time Mun rose highest to power home Gwon’s left-wing cross to restore parity in dramatic scenes.
And despite time running out there was still time for Kang to earn the plaudits and a share of the spoils with an incredible double save to keep out close-range efforts from Wang and Chen Yuanmeng.
“It was an exciting game but we lacked a little bit of luck at the end,” said China coach Gao, whose side will face Iran on Friday.
“We started well but in the second half Korea put us under a lot of pressure and pinned us back with their attack.
“I firmly believe as the tournament progresses our team will get better and better.”
Photo: WSG